Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the significance of an apparent diffusion coefficient[ADC] study for diagnosis of ventriculitis. Methods : Seven patients with ventriculitis were enrolled in this study. Diffusion-weighted[DW] magnetic resonance images[MRI] and ADC maps in the dependent intraventricular collection, periventricular white matter and non-dependent cerebrospinal fluid[CSF] were obtained. The images and ADC data from the different lesions were compared. Results : The DW MRI showed marked hyperintensity in the purulent pus lesion, and the corresponding ADC maps revealed prominent hypointensity and restricted ADC values compared with the non-dependent CSF and normal white matter. Conclusion : The decreased ADC value and increased signal intensity of the dependent intraventricular fluid on the DW MRI show restricted water diffusion in the purulent fluid, which is indicative of a pyogenic ventriculitis diagnosis.